Freedom Scholars Institute campus
About Freedom Scholars Institute

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE.
BUILT ON PURPOSE.

Founded on the belief that every Black, Brown, and Latino scholar deserves a world-class education that honors their identity, celebrates their culture, and ignites their potential — with doors open to all who meet our admissions requirements.

2026
Year Founded
1940 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15214
Location
Enrolling Soon
Inaugural Class
FSI students and teachers

Our Community

Our Story

Where It All Began

Freedom Scholars Institute (FSI) was born from one simple belief: every Black, Brown, and Latino child deserves access to an exceptional education that sees them fully — their culture, their brilliance, and their boundless potential. Its founder, Jarred Johnson, experienced firsthand how education can change the direction of a person's life. Growing up with significant challenges, he came to see that schools can be more than places of learning — they can be places of stability, belonging, opportunity, and hope. While studying education and working with children, Jarred recognized that many Black, Brown, and Latino students were not receiving the individualized support, cultural representation, and academic opportunities they needed to reach their full potential. He envisioned a different kind of school — one that would combine academic excellence with cultural pride, compassion, innovation, and a strong sense of community. That vision became Freedom Scholars Institute. FSI is being developed as a nonprofit private school dedicated to preparing students for success in college, careers, entrepreneurship, and life. The school is designed to provide rigorous academics, hands-on learning, leadership development, career exploration, and an environment where Black, Brown, and Latino scholars are encouraged to dream boldly and achieve confidently. At FSI, education extends beyond the classroom. Students will have opportunities to explore fields such as technology, skilled trades, healthcare, business, fashion, culinary arts, agriculture, and the arts — while building character, critical thinking, and leadership skills rooted in cultural pride. The mission of Freedom Scholars Institute is not simply to educate students — it is to empower future leaders who will strengthen their families, communities, and the world. FSI was born from the belief that when Black, Brown, and Latino children are given opportunity, high expectations, and unwavering support, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.

Mission & Vision

EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ELEVATE.

Our Mission

Freedom Scholars Institute (FSI) is a nonprofit private TK–12 school rooted in Black, Brown, and Latino excellence — committed to providing a high-quality, culturally affirming education that prepares students to excel academically, lead with integrity, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. FSI welcomes all scholars who meet our admissions requirements. Through rigorous academics, innovative learning experiences, deep cultural pride, and strong partnerships with families, FSI develops confident, compassionate, and future-ready scholars equipped for success in college, career, entrepreneurship, military service, apprenticeships, and the workforce.

Our Vision

At Freedom Scholars Institute (FSI), our vision is to redefine what a TK–12 private education can be — building a learning community where Black, Brown, and Latino scholars are inspired to achieve excellence, embrace their heritage, and make a meaningful impact on the world.

We envision a school where academic rigor, cultural affirmation, innovation, and character come together to prepare students for success in college, careers, entrepreneurship, skilled trades, military service, and lifelong learning. Every student will graduate with the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to pursue the future they choose.

FSI strives to become a nationally recognized model of culturally grounded educational excellence — known for empowering scholars through personalized learning, dedicated educators, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to developing compassionate, responsible, and forward-thinking leaders.

As we grow, our vision is to expand the Freedom Scholars Institute model into additional communities, ensuring that more Black, Brown, and Latino students have access to an exceptional education that transforms lives, strengthens families, and creates lasting opportunities for generations to come.

Our Motto

Educate. Empower. Elevate.

Core Values

WHAT WE STAND FOR

Academic Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest academic standards, preparing every scholar for success in whatever path they choose after graduation.

Cultural Pride

We celebrate the rich heritage of Black, Brown, and Latino scholars — weaving cultural identity, history, and pride into every aspect of school life so every scholar sees themselves reflected and valued.

Servant Leadership

We develop leaders who lead with empathy, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving their communities.

Community & Belonging

We build a school family rooted in Black, Brown, and Latino community — where every scholar, family, and staff member feels seen, valued, and deeply connected.

Innovation & Growth

We embrace curiosity, creative thinking, and continuous improvement — in our scholars and in ourselves.

Integrity & Character

We build scholars of strong moral character who act with honesty, courage, and accountability in all they do.

Teacher and student connection at FSI

Every Scholar Matters

Personalized attention. Transformative outcomes.

Board of Directors

LEADERSHIP WITH PURPOSE

Our board brings together visionary leaders from education, business, law, and community service — united by a shared commitment to the FSI mission.

Board Chair

TBD

Bio coming soon.

Vice Chair

TBD

Bio coming soon.

Secretary

TBD

Bio coming soon.

Treasurer

TBD

Bio coming soon.

Board Member

TBD

Bio coming soon.

Board Member

TBD

Bio coming soon.

BECOME PART OF THE FSI FAMILY

Applications are open for the upcoming academic year. Join a community of scholars, leaders, and changemakers.